Course Outline

HIS100 History of Australian popular culture: The nineteenth century and beyond

Course Coordinator:Kate Kirby (KKirby@usc.edu.au) School:School of Law and Society

2025Semester 1

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Online

Online You can do this course without coming onto campus.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

This course is a history of popular culture in Australia from the late 19th century through to the present. It deals with material culture, the spoken and performative culture, and expressions of culture in print. This introductory level course will introduce the historical skills and concepts needed for a career in history (i.e. finding, interpreting and utilising primary and secondary sources, and building sound academic arguments).

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Online learning materials 1hr Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – On campus tutorial/workshop - 2 hours 2hrs Week 2 10 times
Online
Learning materials – Online learning materials 1hr Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Online tutorial - 2 hours 2hrs Week 2 10 times

Course Topics

This course offers a history of popular culture in Australia from the late 19th century through to the present. It touches on topics including but not limited to the following:

  • Australian identity and changing ideas of Australian life
  • Founding myths of nation and the Anzac legend
  • Concepts of identity and place (e.g. outback, beach, suburbia)
  • History and analysis of different pop culture mediums (e.g. radio, television, film, social media)
  • History of migration and multiculturalism
  • First Nations history
  • Australian society and walks of life (e.g. gender, race, class)
  • Australian interests and past-times (e.g. sport, fashion, food, music)

What level is this course?

100 Level (Introductory)

Engaging with discipline knowledge and skills at foundational level, broad application of knowledge and skills in familiar contexts and with support. Limited or no prerequisites. Normally, associated with the first full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Describe central themes in Australian cultural history. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
2 Develop and apply historical argumentation and professional historical analysis. Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
3 Explain and evaluate relevant concepts in cultural theory. Knowledgeable
Ethical
4 Apply skills for historical research communication in written and oral formats. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
Communication

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Not applicable

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Timely and detailed feedback is provided for each assessment. Feedback is provided both within text and general comments to build scholarly skills. Students are able to seek feedback through face-to-face discussion with the course coordinator. Tutorials will include extended discussion and review of the assessment task requirements and scope.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Written Piece Individual 20%
4 x 250 words (1000 words total)
Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 2 Oral and Written Piece Individual 35%
8 minutes
Week 8 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Essay Individual 45%
1750 words
Week 13 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:4 x 250 word written responses
Goal:
To demonstrate an ability to engage in a concise and scholarly manner with course content, workshop/tutorial discussions, and set readings relating to key topics/themes in the history of Australian popular culture.
Product: Written Piece
Format:
Students will produce: a 250-word written piece due Friday Week 2, a 250-word written piece due Friday Week 3, a 250-word written piece due Friday Week 4, and a 250-word written piece due Friday Week 5.

Students will be provided with the topics for the Written Pieces on Canvas at the beginning of semester. They will require students to: define popular culture and explain its historical importance in historical inquiry; engage in contemporary debates about Australian history and national identity; and analyse popular culture primary sources and scholarly secondary sources. 

The Written Pieces must demonstrate academic integrity, using appropriate academic language and formatting. 

All primary and secondary sources must be referenced. A Reference List must be provided but will not be included in the Written Piece word count. The referencing style used should be Harvard, APA, or Chicago 17A.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Breadth and Depth of Knowledge: demonstrates understanding of course themes and engagement in workshop/tutorial discussions.
1
2
Interpretation: effectively incorporates and synthesises academic ideas and theories from relevant scholarly secondary sources.
1 3
3
Connection: demonstrates original connection of historical analysis and cultural theory with popular culture primary source examples.
2 3
4
Communication: demonstrates effective and well-structured scholarly written communication.
4
5
Academic Standards: demonstrates academic integrity, is suitably referenced to academic standards, and meets word count expectations.
4
Generic Skills:
Communication, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 2:Pre-recorded Presentation
Goal:
To demonstrate knowledge, historical research skills, apply historical and cultural theory concepts, and communicate these through a concise and informative presentation on a key topic/theme in the history of Australian popular culture.
Product: Oral and Written Piece
Format:
Submit: Friday Week 8. 

Students will record an 8 minute Pre-Recorded Presentation on a key topic/theme in the history of Australian popular culture. 

Students will be provided with a list of possible research topics for Task 2/Task 3 on Canvas at the beginning of semester. Students will use the same research topic/theme in Task 2 (Pre-recorded Presentation) and Task 3 (Essay). 

The Pre-recorded Presentation is therefore an opportunity for students to: 'test drive' their research discoveries and ideas on the chosen topic/theme; discuss the primary and secondary sources collected thus far; and share the tentative conclusion(s) they have reached. 

The Pre-recorded Presentation must demonstrate academic integrity, using appropriate academic language and formatting. It should be engaging and professional in tone, well-illustrated, and referenced (images, quotes and ideas from other sources should be referenced on the slides with a reference list provided in the PPT and script). 

The referencing style used should be Harvard, APA, or Chicago 17A.

Students are required to submit: the pre-recorded presentation MP4 file; a referenced Microsoft PowerPoint; and a referenced written script.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Breadth and Depth of Knowledge: covers relevant topic in a comprehensive manner demonstrating understanding of course themes and engagement in workshop/tutorial discussions.
1
2
Quality of Research: suitably details the research process and incorporates relevant popular culture primary sources and scholarly secondary sources.
2
3
Connection: demonstrates original connection of historical analysis and cultural theory with popular culture primary source examples.
2 3
4
Communication: demonstrates effective and well-structured scholarly oral communication, progressing towards an original argument.
2 4
5
Academic Standards: demonstrates academic integrity, is suitably referenced to academic standards (presentation and script), and is delivered within the time limit.
4
Generic Skills:
Communication, Problem solving, Organisation, Applying technologies, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 3:Essay
Goal:
To demonstrate knowledge, historical research skills, apply historical and cultural theory concepts, and communicate these through an essay on a key topic/theme in the history of Australian popular culture.
Product: Essay
Format:
Submit: Friday Week 13. 

Students will produce a 1750-word essay on a key topic/theme in the history of Australian popular culture. 

Students will be provided with a list of possible research topics for Task 2/Task 3 on Canvas at the beginning of semester. Students will use the same research topic/theme in Task 2 (Pre-recorded Presentation) and Task 3 (Essay). 

The Essay should build on and extend the research/findings presented for Task 2, rather than simply repeating or duplicating material from Task 2. 

In responding to the chosen topic, the essay should: combine knowledge of course concepts/themes with original research (primary and secondary sources); apply historical argumentation and analysis; and evaluate relevant historical and cultural concepts.

The Essay must demonstrate academic integrity, using appropriate academic language and formatting. 

All primary sources must be referenced and (if using images in essay) labelled. All secondary sources must be scholarly in nature with direct quotes, indirect (paraphrased) quotes/ideas, and any historical information located during research for this essay referenced. A Reference List must be provided but will not be included in the Essay word count. The referencing style used should be Harvard, APA, or Chicago 17A.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Breadth and Depth of Knowledge: actions feedback from Task 2 and demonstrates further knowledge acquired throughout the course.
1
2
Quality of Research: incorporates critical analysis of an appropriate collection of relevant popular culture primary sources and scholarly secondary sources.
2
3
Connection: demonstrates original connection of historical analysis and cultural theory with popular culture primary source examples.
2 3
4
Quality of Argument: demonstrates well-structured scholarly written communication presenting an original, reasonable, and convincing argument.
2 4
5
Academic Standards: demonstrates academic integrity, is suitably referenced to academic standards, and meets word count expectations.
4
Generic Skills:
Communication, Problem solving, Organisation, Information literacy

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

There are no required/recommended resources for this course.

Specific requirements

Not applicable

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:
(a) The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%; and
(b) The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submissions may be penalised up to and including the following maximum percentage of the assessment task’s identified value, with weekdays and weekends included in the calculation of days late:
(a) One day: deduct 5%;
(b) Two days: deduct 10%;
(c) Three days: deduct 20%;
(d) Four days: deduct 40%;
(e) Five days: deduct 60%;
(f) Six days: deduct 80%;
(g) Seven days: A result of zero is awarded for the assessment task.

The following penalties will apply for a late submission for an online examination:
Less than 15 minutes: No penalty
From 15 minutes to 30 minutes: 20% penalty
More than 30 minutes: 100% penalty

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au